Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 06/21/1994I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of June 21, 1994, which were approved by the City Council on June 28, 1994. WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 29th day of June, 1994. rmando Chapa City Secretary SEAL MI RU€ILMED MINUTES CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 2 p.m. PRESENT Mayor Mary Rhodes Mayor Pro Tem Melody Cooper' Council Members: Jack Best Cezar Galindo Betty Jean Longoria Edward Martin Dr. David McNichols Clif Moss David Noyola City Manager Juan Garza City Attorney James R. Bray, Jr. City Secretary Armando Chapa Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order in the Council Chamber of City Hall. The invocation was delivered by Pastor George Pledger, Weber Road Church of Christ, following which the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States was led by Drue Combs, Sister City Committee Chairperson. City Secretary Chapa performed a roll check and verified that the necessary quorum of the Council and the required charter officers were present to conduct the meeting. Mayor Rhodes called for approval of the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting and of the Joint Meeting of the City Council and Nueces County Commissioners Court of June 14, 1994, and there being no corrections, she proclaimed them approved as presented. Mayor Rhodes introduced special guests present at the meeting: three City Council members and a representative from the City Secretary's Office of Yokosuka, Japan, one of Corpus Christi's sister cities. Mr. Mikio Mizuguchi, one of the Japanese City Council members, made a brief presentation, praising the two cities' cooperation through the Sister City program. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 2 Mayor Rhodes also introduced Mr. Andre Schmitt, a German student, and Ms. Paula Waddle, his hostess in Corpus Christi. The Mayor presented Mr. Schmitt with an honorary citizenship. Mayor Rhodes asked Council Member Moss to recognize the accomplishments of Mr. Joe Dawson, a Corpus Christi resident and World War II veteran who introduced President Bill Clinton during the recent 50th anniversary commemoration of the D -Day invasion. Mr. Moss asked Former Mayor Luther Jones to explain in more detail why Mr. Dawson was being honored. Mr. Jones recalled how, 10 years ago, he issued a proclamation declaring "Joe Dawson Day in Corpus Christi," and read the proclamation in Mr. Dawson's home. Mr. Jones said he felt that that honor was inadequate and he was pleased that the Department of Defense had recognized Mr. Dawson as a legitimate war hero and chosen him to introduce President Clinton. Mr. Jones also noted that Mr. Dawson is a former Corpus Christi City Council member. While acknowledging that Mr. Dawson was a modest man, Mayor Rhodes stated that he deserved to be commended for his courage during the D -Day invasion and his selection by the Department of Defense, and read a proclamation establishing June 21, 1994 as "Joe Dawson Day in Corpus Christi." *Melody Cooper arrived at the Council meeting. Mayor Rhodes referred to the Board and Committee appointments on the day's agenda and the following appointment was made: Ethics Commission Helen Gurley - Reinstated Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 2, approving issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Claudia McCraine, president of Padre Island Shuttle Inc. dba American Cab and Shuttle Company. City Manager Garza stated that the application had been reviewed in accordance with the requirements in the city code and it is the staffs recommendation that the application be approved. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 3 Responding to Council Member Martin, Mr. Garza stated that even though the taxicab company is not required to have a cab in existence for every license issued, Ms. McCraine had indicated in her application that 12 cars would be available for service. Mr. Martin stated that the ordinance in question and similar ordinances should be reviewed to eliminate the practice of companies holding licenses that are not being utilized. Council Member McNichols stated that since the taxicab company must pay an annual fee for each license issued, the company should be free to determine how many cars it would need to provide adequate taxi service. Mr. Garza stated that through its inspection procedures, the city should guarantee that the cabs are clean and safe. Mr. Martin responded that the contract for taxi service is not considered free enterprise; it is the only business in the city where the city controls the number of licenses issued and offers the company a protected environment. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Abel Alonzo, 1701 Thames, questioned whether the taxi company would provide service for disabled persons. A discussion ensued regarding the kinds of city transportation services available to disabled persons. Mayor Rhodes instructed the staff to investigate the situation. Referring to an earlier question from Mr. Martin regarding the date of the original application, Mr. Garza stated that an initial application by Padre Island Shuttle Inc. was rejected by the City Council due to many circumstances. He said that the staff worked with members of the cab industry in resolving those matters in order to bring the ordinance back to the Council. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 2. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Approving the Issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Claudia McCraine, President, Padre Island Shuttle, Inc. dba American Cab and Shuttle Company for the operation of a maximum of 12 taxicabs within the City of Corpus Christi for a five year period effective upon final reading of ordinance; subject to the applicant's compliance with all terms and conditions established in Chapter 57, Article II, Taxicabs, of the Code of Ordinances; and providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 4 Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 3, amending the billboard ordinance. Mr. Tom Utter, Group Manager of Development Services, stated that staff had received valuable input from various sources, including representatives of the outdoor advertising companies. He added that almost all of the previously disputed points had been resolved and, if the Council approved the ordinance on first reading, staff would bring the ordinance back with technical amendments for approval during the June 28, 1994 meeting. Mr. Garza said that he had wanted to present the Council with a finalized version of the ordinance, but the staff was working against a deadline on a related annexation ordinance. Mr. Martin questioned the need to approve the billboard ordinance in conjunction with the proposed zoning change to be presented at the next Council meeting. Mr. Garza gave a brief explanation of the proposed changes to the billboard ordinance which had been discussed with the outdoor advertising representatives. Council Member Moss stated that before the sign ordinance is amended, it should be strictly enforced in its current state. Mr. Garza replied that one of the elements of the amended ordinance would be hiring a staff person to divide his or her time between inspecting outdoor, off -premise advertising and other kinds of building inspections. He said that rather than fund that position through fines and penalties paid by violators, a regulating activity such as this should be funded through a permitting process. Mr. Brandol Harvey, Director of Planning and Development, gave a brief presentation on the current ordinance governing use of billboards, signboards and bulletin boards, which has not been updated since 1973. He said several issues impact the governance of billboards --aesthetics (including compliance with the State Highway Beautification Act), traffic safety, location, and number of billboards (off -premise signs versus on -premise signs). Mr. Harvey added that initially the staff had been instructed by the Council to develop a proposal to bring the city's billboard regulations in line with the state's regulations (Ordinance #1). Following that, the staff was instructed to solicit input from representatives of the outdoor sign companies (Ordinance #2). He discussed various aspects of the provisions of the two proposed ordinances. Responding to Mr. Martin, Mr. Harvey stated that businesses which have large (billboard -size) on -premise signs do not have to pay an annual fee for that sign --they only pay for the building permit associated with their business. He said that requiring annual fees for off -premise billboards would provide inventory information for such entities as the Appraisal District and would allow the Planning Department to inspect the off -premise signs. Following questions from Mr. Martin and Dr. McNichols, Mr. Harvey explained the Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 5 regulations regarding the reconstruction of non -conforming signs. Responding to a question from Mr. Galindo, Mr. Harvey noted that all of the billboards currently in place would fall under a grandfather clause in the proposed ordinance and would not be affected (with the exception of those needing reconstruction), thereby retaining revenue through the fee structure. He added that the city is almost to the saturation point with billboards. In answer to more questions from Mr. Galindo, Mr. Harvey stated that the city is required by state law to certify to the Texas Department of Transportation that the city is meeting the purposes and intent of the Highway Beautification Act, which was created in 1973. However, he said, the state updated the beautification act in 1985 but Corpus Christi did not update its billboard regulations to comply with state requirements. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience. Mr. Frank Hankins, 721 Crestview Dr., secretary of OPUS (an environmental group), spoke in favor of the proposed changes in billboard regulations, particularly the height restrictions and permit fees. Mr. Chris Estes, owner of Delta Displays, encouraged the Council to approve Ordinance #2, noting that the 1973 city regulations still in force restricted building billboards in any area other than that zoned "B5" or better. He added that only the off - premise sign owners --not those with on -premise signs --are required to pay annual fees. Following questions from Mr. Galindo and Mr. Moss, a discussion ensued regarding the difference between on -premise and off -premise signs and regulations controlling their use. Mr. Gordon Cooper, Cooper Outdoor Advertising, thanked the staff for their cooperation in developing the ordinance, but expressed concern about the difference in regulations between on -premise and off -premise signs. Mr. Jerry Haddox, Coastal Outdoor Advertising, also commended the staff for their work and encouraged the Council to support Ordinance #2 with some revisions. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 3. FIRST READING ORDINANCE Amending Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3, Advertising; Article II, Billboards, Signboards, and Bulletin Boards; Division 2, Highway Beautification Ordinance by repealing in its entirety and replacing it with a new Division 2, Highway Beautification Ordinance; providing for permits and annual fees; providing for penalties; and providing for publication. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 6 The foregoing ordinance passed on first reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo voting "No." ♦! A 1 4•* f** 4* f Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 4, parking lot for the Ethel Eyerly Senior Community Center. Mr. Carl Crull, Director of Engineering Services, stated that for the last four months the staff had been trying to negotiate an agreement with the property owner regarding acquisition of the property in question. Since that effort had not yet been successful, the staff recommended moving forward with the condemnation proceedings. Following questions from Council Members, Mr. Crull stated that the condemnation proceedings could take 90 days. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 4. RESOLUTION NO. 021967 Resolution authorizing condemnation proceedings by the City for the acquisition of a 1.044 acre tract of land located on Graham Road adjacent to Parker Park from N.J. Welsh III, et al for construction of a parking lot for the Ethel Eyerly Senior Community Center. The foregoing resolution passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 5, public hearing for the proposed FY 1994-95 budget. Mr. Galindo stated his support for holding a budget workshop on July 5, 1994, and Mayor Rhodes said that the Council should wait until the June 28, 1994 meeting to make a decision on whether to hold that meeting. Responding to Dr. McNichols, Mr. Garza stated that the proposed ending balance for the General Fund for 1994-95 would be $1.1 million with approximately $700,000 to $800,000 in reserve. He added that by the July 12, 1994 meeting the staff would present the financial figures for June. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 7 Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 5. M94-154 Motion to set a public hearing for discussion of the City's proposed FY 1994-95 budget. Hearing to be held on July 12, 1994 in City Hall Council Chambers during the Regular Council Meeting. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Items 6.a. and 6.b., improvements to Violet Road, Old Brownsville Road and Spur 3. Mr. Garza explained that the improvements being planned are being partially funded through the Texas Department of Transportation. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 6.a. ORDINANCE NO. 021968 Ordinance amending the FY 93-94 Capital Budget to authorize funds in the amount of $2,965,000, including $1,165,000 from current appropriations and $1,800,000 in unappropriated funds, for street, drainage, and utility improvements related to Violet Road, Old Brownsville Road, and the Spur 3 (Texas A&M - Corpus Christi access) projects. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." 6.b. ORDINANCE NO. 021969 Ordinance appropriating funds in the amount of $1,800,000, transferred from the Consolidated Utilities System Fund into the Capital Improvement Fund, for allocation to the Water Capital Improvement Fund and the Wastewater Capital Improvement Fund in the respective amounts of $700,000 and $1,100,000 to support water and wastewater utility adjustments associated with the State's Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 8 construction of the Violet Road and Old Brownsville Road improvements. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 7, lease/purchase of golf carts. Mr. Garza explained that about eight years ago the city stopped using battery - powered golf carts at its golf courses and began using gas -powered carts, which needed extensive on-going maintenance. Due to improvements in the performance of battery - powered carts (longer available power) and the deterioration of the fleet of gas -powered carts, the staff is recommending changing back to battery -powered carts. Dr. McNichols expressed concern about the cost of lease/purchasing 125 golf carts and questioned the need to do so. Mr. Malcolm Matthews, Director of Park and Recreation, explained that, with the exception of 15 gas carts, the rest of the fleet of gas carts (108 carts) needs to be replaced with the battery carts because the gas carts are dilapidated. Mr. Garza noted that the carts pay for themselves through fees charged to the users, and the city plans to implement a replacement program on the newly purchased carts. Mr. Matthews stated that with the rental of the new fleet of carts the city can actually increase its revenue. Responding to Mr. Martin's question whether the proposed number of carts to be purchased was sufficient, Mr. Matthews replied that that is the present capacity of the cart barn. Mr. Joe O'Brien, 4130 Pompano, stated that he felt the city was acquiring more and more items through the lease/purchase program, resulting in increased cost and subsequently, increased debt. Referring to a portion of a written opinion by an attorney general, Mr. O'Brien asked if there was any legal impediment to utilizing the lease/purchase agreements. Mr. Jimmy Bray, City Attorney, stated that the contracts the city has are valid agreements under state law. Mr. Carl Shankin, an independent Yamaha dealer from San Antonio, introduced Mr. Mike Ellis, a representative of Yamaha Motor Corporation USA in Spring, Texas. Mr. Ellis discussed different aspects of the bid specifications. Mr. Garza stated that the staff did not cite the specification of a one-piece tow system in its recommendation of the E -Z Go/Gulf Coast Company over the Yamaha Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 9 Company; the staff did cite advantages such as E -Z Go's inclusion of rack and pinion steering in its carts. Mr. Galindo questioned the selection of E -Z Go Company over Yamaha. Responding to Mr. Martin, Mr. Matthews stated that the city had purchased Yamaha carts in the past. After questioning Mr. Ellis about some of the bid specifications, including an item that Yamaha did not provide at the time of the bid opening, Mr. Martin pointed out that the staff makes its recommendation about a bid based on the information it has at the bid opening. Mr. Dick Rumbly, a representative of E -Z Go, gave a brief explanation of some of the specifications that his company met. Mayor Rhodes stated that she felt there was nothing unfair about this bid process and therefore the Council would not be compelled to overrule the staffs recommendation. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 7. M94-155 Motion approving the lease/purchase of 125 golf carts, including trade-in of 108 golf carts, and the outright purchase of two energy management systems, in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0206-94 from E -Z Go/Gulf Coast, Houston, Texas, based on low bid meeting specifications. Total purchase price of carts and energy management system is $257,460, of which $246,660 will be financed through E -Z Go/Gulf Coast lease/purchase program. The grand total, including financing, is $279,945. The golf carts are included in the 1993-94 capital outlay for the Park and Recreation Department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes called for consideration of consent motions, resolutions, ordinances and ordinances from previous meetings on Items 8 through 18, and Council Members requested that Items 12, 13 and 15 be withheld for discussion. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes and the following were passed: 8. M94-156 Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 10 Motion approving supply agreements for coarse paper items which includes approximately 1,200 cases of multi -fold towels, 1,000 cases of toilet tissue, 400 cases of utility wipers, 242 cases of drinking cups and 36 cases of sanitary napkins in accordance with Bid Invitation JGPG-94-1 with the following companies for the following amounts based on low bid and best bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $43,406.70. The term of the agreements shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the suppliers and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted for FY 93-94 by the using departments. This award is the result of a cooperative purchasing effort of the City, Corpus Christi Independent School District, Nueces County, Del Mar College, Regional Transit Authority, West Oso Independent School District, and Memorial Hospital. Century Papers Corpus Christi (Toilet tissue, Multi -fold towels, utility wipers, water cups, sanitary napkins - low bid, best bid) $40,541.70 GRAND TOTAL - $43,406.70 Gulf Coast Paper Co. Corpus Christi (Hot cups - best bid) $2,865.00 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." 9. M94-157 Motion approving supply agreements for approximately 1,021 mechanical, 32 flanged and 410 swivel fittings, 2,475 retainer glands and 11,810 accessories in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0180-94 with the following companies for the following amounts, based on low bid and best bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $169,734.96. The term of the agreements shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve months, subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds are budgeted in FY 93-94 by the Water and Wastewater Departments. International Supply Corpus Christi, Texas $125,388.76 The Rohan Co. San Antonio, Texas $44,346.20 GRAND TOTAL - $169,734.96 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 11 10. M94-158 Motion approving a supply agreement for general use automotive type filters in accordance with Bid Invitation No. 8I-0193-94 with Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc., Corpus Christi, Texas based on low bid for an estimated annual expenditure of $38,500. The term of the contract shall be for twelve months with an option to extend for up to an additional twelve months subject to the approval of the supplier and the City Manager or his designee. Funds have been budgeted by Maintenance Services, EMS, and the Fire Department in FY 93-94 and requested for FY 94-95. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." 11. M94-159 Motion approving the purchase of one 72" riding mower, two greens mowers, and four utility trucksters in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0179-94 from the following firms based on low bid and low bid meeting specifications. The equipment is included in the 1993-94 capital outlay for Wastewater Services and Park and Recreation. Garden Equipment Sales Corpus Christi, Texas 72" Mower - 1 each $6,595 total Goldthwaites of Texas San Antonio, Texas Greens mower - 2 each $11,698 each $23,396 total Austin Turf & Tractor Marble Falls, Texas Truckster - 4 each $4,099 each $16,396 total Grand Total of Awards - $46,387 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." 14. M94-162 Motion to extend Council's time period to take action on Zoning Case No. 1293-2, Dorothy Wilde to September 13, 1994. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 12 Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." 16.a. M94-164 Motion authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant from the Coastal Bend Health Facilities Development Corporation (CBHFDC) in the amount of $22,800 for funding the purchase of a GMC Suburban or similar vehicle for EMS Field Supervisors to use to support field medic units. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." 16.b. ORDINANCE NO. 021970 Ordinance appropriating $22,800 from the Coastal Bend Health Facilities Development Corporation grant to purchase a GMC Suburban or similar vehicle for EMS Field Supervisors; amending Ordinance No. 021707 which adopted the FY 1993-94 operating budget by adding $22,800 to the Public Emergency Service Fund No. 119-222-549.01. An emergency was declared and the foregoing ordinance passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." 17. ORDINANCE NO. 021971 Repealing Ordinances 17258, 17400, 17929, 18233, 18811, 18812, 18813, and 18838 incorporated into the present Civil Service Board Rules and Regulations and approving an ordinance adopting new Rules and Regulations, as recommended by the Civil Service Board in their meeting of April 28, 1994, which revise existing language to be in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act, clarify existing language, incorporate residency requirements previously adopted in Ordinance 19967 dated September 8, 1987, and add, revise and clarify language to assist in the administration of these Rules and Regulations. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." 18. ORDINANCE NO. 021972 Amending the Zoning Ordinance upon application by Camden Property Trust, by changing the Zoning Map in reference to Country Club Estates, Block 3, Lots 2 & Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 13 6, from "A-1" Apartment House District and "AB" Professional Office District to "A - 1A" Apartment House District; providing for publication. The foregoing ordinance passed on second reading by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 12, purchase of relift and submersible pumps. Dr. McNichols asked if less expensive pumps could be used, and Mr. Garza replied that one concern regarding wastewater pumps is their ability to process solids as well as liquids; he added that he would research the possibility of using other types of pumps. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 12. M94-160 Motion approving the purchase of one relift pump and five submersible pumps in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0170-94 from the following firms based on low bid and only bid. The pumps are budgeted by Wastewater Services Department in the 1993-94 capital outlay as replacement equipment. SEPCO Industries, Inc. Corpus Christi Relift Pump - 1 each Total: $16,900 Davis -McAllen Pipe & Supply Corpus Christi Submersible Pump - 5 each Total: $21,293.20 Grand Total of Awards - $38,193.20 The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Galindo, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye." Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 13, purchase of two brush loader/tractors. Responding to Dr. McNichols, Mr. Garza replied that a brush loader had been badly damaged and new ones needed to be purchased. He added that the city keeps Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 14 somewhat damaged ones in reserve for use following natural disasters such as hurricanes but they would be unreliable to use on a daily basis. Responding to Mr. Martin, Mr. Garza verified that the funds are available for this purchase. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 13. M94-161 Motion approving the purchase of two brush loader/tractors in accordance with Bid Invitation No. BI -0181-94 from Coastal Hydraulic Crane, Houston, Texas for the total amount of $146,900 based on low bid. The equipment is included in the amended 1993-94 capital outlay, and will be used by Solid Waste Services department. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo voting "No." Mayor Rhodes opened discussion on Item 15, Corpus Christi Airport Development Corporation board appointment. Following a question from Mr. Galindo, there was a brief discussion of the purpose of the Airport Development Corporation and its recent decision to amend its by-laws to increase the number of directors from three to four. Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience, and there were none. City Secretary Chapa polled the Council for their votes as follows: 15. M94-163 Motion approving the appointment of Mr. B.E. Beecroft to the Board of Directors of the Corpus Christi Airport Development Corporation. The foregoing motion passed by the following vote: Rhodes, Best, Cooper, Longoria, Martin, McNichols, Moss, and Noyola voting "Aye"; Galindo voting "No." Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 15 Mayor Rhodes called for the City Manager's report. Mr. Garza stated that the new landfill liner would be installed on June 28, 1994 if the Council Members wanted to view it. Mr. Garza asked Mr. Utter to give a brief update on the Coastal Management Plan (CMP). Mr. Utter stated that a presentation on the CMP was given during the April 19, 1994 Council meeting. The city staff has continued to work with the staff of the General Land Office on proposed changes, and the Coastal Coordinating Council will hold a public hearing on the plan on June 28, 1994. At that time the plan would be available for public review and comment for 60 days. Mr. Garza stated that items scheduled for the June 28, 1994 Council meeting included a gas supply contract, a budget workshop, and a presentation on a study which was required as part of the Brawner Parkway settlement with the state on retrofitting of plumbing fixtures. Mayor Rhodes called for Council concerns and reports. Dr. Best asked that the status of the old county courthouse be placed on an upcoming agenda. Responding to a request from Dr. Best, Dr. McNichols gave an explanation of a water study being conducted by the Texas Water Development Board. Mrs. Cooper thanked the staff for their participation in a town hall meeting held June 16, 1994 in the Council Chambers. She also commended Mr. Garza and his office for their assistance in answering questions from residents in Mrs. Cooper's district. Mr. Moss referred to an article in the July 21, 1994 issue of the Corpus Christi Caller -Times about increased sales tax revenues, and Mr. Garza said the increases had been allocated to support General Fund operations. Mr. Moss also asked about the downtown sewer system survey, and Mr. Utter replied that an interim report should be available in the late fall. He also commented on the progress of the Frost building. Responding to a question from Mr. Moss about spraying for mosquitos, Mr. Garza explained that Vector Control only sprays when there are mosquito problems or when citizens report a mosquito problem; it is useless to spray for mosquitos on a daily basis. He said Vector Control was spraying in the Flour Bluff and Northwest areas of the city, and citizens could call 883-1171 to report a mosquito problem. Mr. Garza also briefly discussed a proposed city composting program. Referring to an earlier question about capital improvement programs, Mayor Rhodes suggested that that item be scheduled for a workshop in August 1994; she added that a Council meeting would not be held on August 7, 1994. Minutes Regular Council Meeting June 21, 1994 Page 16 Responding to a question from Mr. Galindo, Mr. Garza briefly described the study that would be conducted on the downtown sewer lines. There was a short discussion on the old county courthouse, which will be discussed in more detail during an August 1994 Council meeting. Mr. Noyola instructed the staff to commend Ms. Annie Leal, an executive secretary in the City Manager's Office. He also stated that improvements were needed in the Hector P. Garcia Park, and he asked if there were any services for senior citizens who needed brush cut on their property. Mayor Rhodes suggested that they call the United Way Info -Line at 882-4636. Mr. Martin requested the staff to see if Community Development Block Grant funds had been appropriated to the Hector P. Garcia Park in the last few years. Mrs. Longoria stated that cities throughout the state, in addition to Corpus Christi, are struggling with the issue of solid waste collection. Mayor Rhodes stated that she had received a letter from Nueces County Judge Robert Barnes, who asked that three representatives from both the county and the city serve on the consolidation committee. The Mayor asked Mrs. Longoria to be the third representative from the city, in addition to Dr. Best and Mr. Galindo. Mayor Rhodes called for petitions from the audience, and there were none. There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m. on June 21, 1994.